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AICR HealthTalk

A: Mushrooms are not a substitute for meat nutritionally because they are not equivalent in protein amount or quality, and they do not provide comparable amounts of iron, zinc or vitamin B-12. On the other hand, mushrooms do provide a variety of nutrients with just 15 calories in a whole cup of raw chopped or sliced mushrooms. For example, they are a good source of the mineral selenium, an antioxidant that may play a role in reducing risk of chronic diseases.

Mushrooms do have a “meaty” texture and add a flavor known as “umami” that tends to be very satisfying, which makes them ideal to include in pasta sauce, stews, casseroles, chili and other mixed dishes to maintain a rich flavor and texture while reducing or eliminating the meat they contain. In dishes that contain large amounts of meat, replace a quarter to a half of the meat with mushrooms to make the dish lower in calories and still delicious. You can also create a vegetarian dish by substituting mushrooms for all the meat or poultry in a recipe. However, in this case, make sure the meal also includes a good source of protein, for example, at least a half-cup of dried beans or quarter-cup of nuts.

This strategy can help you follow a cancer-protective plant-based diet by keeping animal protein to no more than one-third of your plate. You can also reduce risk for colorectal cancer by eating no more than 18 ounces of red meat weekly to meet one of the recommendations for cancer prevention from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR).

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The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed over $100 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, http://www.aicr.org. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.

The American Institute for Cancer Research is a nonprofit charity designated as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 by the Internal Revenue Service. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. EIN 52-1238026.